Hello Parsons Family,
As your child grows more independent, technology and social media become a bigger part of their world. While these tools have benefits, they also present serious risks. We want to provide some important reminders to help keep your child safe and healthy.
Dangers of Social Media/Unsupervised Internet Access
Inappropriate Content: Even with privacy settings, children may be exposed to harmful or inappropriate content.
Cyberbullying: Snapchat and similar apps allow messages to disappear, making it harder to track bullying or harmful interactions. In addition, children can be contacted at every hour of the day, impeding their ability to limit exposure to unhealthy interactions.
Stranger Danger: Kids can be contacted by people they don’t know, increasing the risk of unsafe situations. Group chats can add multiple people. Discuss with your child the importance of limiting the number of people in a group chat.
Mental Health Impact: Social media can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and pressure to fit in.
Addictive Nature: The design of these apps encourages constant checking, which can interfere with focus and real-life relationships.
Importance of Keeping Phones/Devices Out of the Bedroom
Disrupted Sleep: Even if your child is asleep, notifications, buzzing, and late-night messages from friends can repeatedly wake them up.
Reduces Late-Night Screen Time: Many kids stay up later than they should, leading to exhaustion at school.
Limits Unsupervised Activity: Without a phone in their room, children are less likely to engage in risky online behavior.
Encourages Healthy Habits: Keeping devices in a central location helps establish boundaries and better routines.
We encourage families to set clear expectations about social media/internet use and phone habits. Please reach out if you need resources or guidance on navigating these challenges.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe and healthy!
Sincerely,
Sarah Aherne
The Parsons Carnival is BACK! It was such a hit last year that the PTO has decided to organize it again. It is May 22nd from 5:00-8:00. We need LOTS of volunteers to be successful, please consider signing up here.
WatchDogs we appreciate you! Don't forget you must have your background check on file before you may volunteer!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FADA92AABFBC07-50155930-watch#/
We have a new company for Parsons spirit wear this year. The great news is that you can order Parsons or Carlson gear throughout the year. They also have many sales and specials. Check out the link here and the flyer for the weekly ad below.
Download the Parent Square App today! Use your email and phone number you used when you registered to log in.
We use ParentSquare at the District, school and classroom level to communicate with families.
What is ParentSquare?
ParentSquare is a simple-to-use platform that provides a safe way for everyone at a school to connect. With ParentSquare, you'll be able to:
- Receive messages from the district and school via email, text or app notification
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage in your school community
- Direct message teachers, staff and other parents
- Participate in group messages
- Sign up for parent-teacher conferences
- Sign forms & permission slips
- And more all from your phone or web portal!